Net Attachment System

ABSTRACT

A net securing system, kit and method including a blow molded part with a plurality of holes and clips, the clips configured to secure a flexible elongate member which is part of a net when the flexible elongate member is formed into a loop, inserted through the hole and around the clip.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The following relates to a system for attaching a net to a rim or other device. In particular embodiments, the system is used for securing a net to the goal structure for a sports goal, which in certain embodiments could be a basketball hoop.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nets are used in a wide array of devices such as sports goals among others. The nets are typically secured to a rigid member. Metal basketball rims, for example, use welded elements configured similar to two springs welded together and extending in reverse directions. The net is wound round these spring like pieces and secured to the rim. While effective for metal rims, the spiral nature of these attachments would not be practical for molded plastic parts.

A solution to securing nets to plastic rims has been provided in U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,611, but this solution provides only “T” shaped extensions which can easily allow the net to become undone and detached through repeated use. U.S. Pat. No. 5,082,261 provides generally flat tabs with holes therein, but this solution also suffers the disadvantage of becoming undone through repeated use because the net can work itself free from the flat tab and then become pulled out of the hole. Particularly, because the bottom of the loop formed around the corresponding tab is generally not prevented from moving outwardly, repeated use of the net can cause the loops to become undone.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a fastening system for a net that is both easy to use and more secure than prior art solutions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a secure fastening system for a net.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved fastening system allowing securing a net to plastic rims and the like, particularly blow molded plastic rims.

It is yet a further object of the invention to provide strong and secure fasteners which are easy to install the net on while providing durability for repeated use over time.

The terms “first” and “second” are used to distinguish one element, set, data, object or thing from another, and are not used to designate relative position or arrangement in time.

These and other objects are achieved by providing a blow molded part with a plurality of holes and clips, the clips configured to secure a flexible elongate member which is part of a net when the flexible elongate member is formed into a loop, inserted through the hole and around the clip.

In one aspect a system is provided for securing a net. The system includes a first member having a plurality of holes therein, each hole having a first and second side spaced apart at a first distance, wherein the first member is a blow molded polymeric part. A clip is molded in the first member adjacent to each of the plurality of holes, each clip spaced from its corresponding one of the plurality of holes in a first direction. The clip includes an extension which extends towards and end of the extension a second distance in a second direction. A channel is between the extension and the hole, the channel having a depth at least 10% of the first distance measured from the end of the extension to a base of the extension, the base positioned between the extension and the hole. The clip is configured to secure a flexible elongate material to the first member when the flexible elongate material is inserted into one of the plurality of holes as a loop such that the loop fits over the extension and into the channel.

In certain aspects a backboard element, a bottom element and an elongate member which when assembled together with the first member form a basketball goal and the flexible elongate member is part of a basketball net. In other aspects the end aligns with the first side of the hole such that the first and second distances are approximately equal. In other aspects the depth is at least 55% of the second distance, the second distance measured along a side of the extension opposite the base. In other aspects an area of the first side is smaller than an area of the second side. In other aspects the plurality of holes are tapered outwardly from the first side towards the second side. In yet other aspects the channel tapers outwardly from the base. In still other aspects a spacing between the extension and the first member is greater at the end of the extension than at the base such that the loop extends outwardly with respect to the base towards the hole past a narrowing opening.

In other aspects a kit is provided for holding a net. The kit includes a net made of a flexible elongate material and having a plurality of loops. A first member defines a perimeter and has a plurality of holes therein. Each hole is configured to receive one of the plurality of loops and each hole having a first and second side spaced apart at a first distance and the first member is a blow molded polymeric part. A plurality of clips are provided and each is located adjacent to one of the plurality of holes and molded in the first member. Each clip includes an extension which extends a second distance in a second direction, the second distance at least 25% of the first distance. A channel has a depth at least 10% of the first distance and formed between each of the plurality of extensions and each of the plurality of holes. Eacj pf the loops is configured to insert through one of the plurality of holes from the first side and out the second side and to extend around a corresponding one of the plurality of clips such that at least part of the loop is positioned in the channel.

In some aspects the second direction is substantially parallel to and opposite an axial direction of the corresponding one of the plurality of holes, the axial direction being directed from the first side towards the second side. In other aspects the second direction is transverse to an axial direction of the corresponding one of the plurality of holes, the axial direction being directed from the first side towards the second side. In other aspects the second direction forms an acute angle less than 20 degrees relative to the axial direction. In further aspects, the system includes a backboard element, a bottom member and an elongate extension which when assembled together with the first member and the net form a basketball goal. In other aspects the end aligns with the first side of the hole such that the first and second distances are approximately equal. In yet other aspects the depth is at least 55% of the second distance, the second distance measured from the end to the second side. In still other aspects an area of the first side is smaller than an area of the second side. In yet other aspects the plurality of holes are tapered outwardly from the first side towards the second side. In still further aspects, the channel tapers outwardly from the base. In other aspects a spacing between the extension and the first member is greater at the end of the extension than at the base such that the loop extends outwardly with respect to the base, around the clip and into a narrowing opening. In other aspects the second distance is greater than a thickness of the flexible elongate material. In still other aspects the second distance is at least twice the thickness of the flexible elongate material.

In other aspects a method of assembling a goal is provided including steps of: providing a first element defining a perimeter and a plurality of holes located along the perimeter, the first element being a blow molded polymeric part; providing a net formed from a flexible member, the net including a plurality of loops; inserting one or more of the plurality of loops into the plurality of holes from a first side of the holes such that the plurality of loops extend out a second side of the holes; extending the loop out its corresponding one of the plurality of holes and hooking the loop over an extension which extends out the one of the plurality of holes, the extension having an end and a base and two side openings wherein the side openings narrow from the end towards the base and the base is positioned between the extension and the corresponding one of the plurality of holes.

In certain aspects the method includes pulling the net from the first side such that the loop is held in a channel defined at least in part by the base.

In other aspects a system for securing a net is provided including a first member having a plurality of holes, each of the plurality of holes having a clip adjacent thereto. A channel is defined between an inner surface of the clip and a surface of the first member which faces the inner surface of the clip, the channel having a base. The plurality of holes have first and second sides spaced apart and the base is located at a height measured from the first side less than a distance between the first and second sides such that when a flexible elongate member is formed into a loop and inserted from the first side and out the second side, the flexible elongate member is secured to the first member by inserting the loop over the clip and into contact with the base.

Other objects of the invention and its particular features and advantages will become more apparent from consideration of the following drawings and accompanying detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a basketball goal in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is detail view of FIG. 1

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the rim of FIG. 1

FIG. 4 is a top partial view of the rim of FIG. 1

FIG. 5 is a bottom partial view of the rim of FIG. 1

FIG. 6 is a section view along line 6-6

FIGS. 7-10 show the process of installing a net on the rim of FIG. 1

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding structure throughout the views. The following examples are presented to further illustrate and explain the present invention and should not be taken as limiting in any regard.

FIG. 1 shows an assembled basketball hoop having a bottom member 2, pole 4, net 6, rim 8 and a backboard 10. These parts are secured together to create a basketball goal. FIGS. 2-6 show that the rim 8 includes outer 7 and inner 5 sections. The outer section 7 is thicker than the inner section 5. The inner section has a number of holes 14 therein which are spaced around the circumference thereof between the inner face 20 and the inner edge 24 of the outer section 7. The outer edge 22 of the outer section defines the outer circumference of the rim 8. Within the inner face 20 are a number of clips 16 which are positioned adjacent or next to the holes 14. These clips include an extension 18 that generally points downward and parallel or at a slight angle to the axis of the hole. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 the axis of the hole is tilted slightly left (towards the inside of the hoop) and the inner surface of the extension is generally vertical such that the axis and the plane of the inner surface of the extension will intersect. The plane of the inner surface of the extension may also be angled outward with respect to vertical. In certain cases, the angle of the inner surface of the extension and the angle of the axis of the hole form an acute angle which is preferably less than 45 degrees. In further aspects, this angle may be preferably less than 30 or less than 20 degrees. In other embodiments, the hole 14 may be shaped such that the inner surface of the extension and the axis are parallel. The extension includes rib 42 there around and an inner recess 44. The rib 42 provides enhanced rigidity to the clip 16 and extension 18. In certain embodiments, the rib 42 may be hollow such that an air channel passes through the rib and into the inner cavity 43 of the rim 8. The inner recess 44 may be formed by two faces of molten plastic being fused or welded together during the molding process.

The hole 14 includes bottom 28 and top 26 sides and between these bottom and top sides, the depth of the hole is defined. As shown, the extension narrows downwardly towards end 32. Between the extension 18 and the hole 14 is a channel 30 which is configured to hold part of the net therein once installed. The channel extends from the top 31 to the bottom 32 to define the channel depth. Generally the bottom of the extension 32 is aligned with the bottom of the hole 28, however, the channel depth should be greater than the thickness of the net (e.g. the rope the net is made of). In certain embodiments, the net is at least twice the channel depth or at least twice the length of the extension. In certain embodiments, the channel depth is at least 10% of the hole depth.

In addition, the clip is spaced apart from the center axis of the hole at a distance (L) which is greater than the width of the hole (W). The length of the extension (H) is measured from the top of the hole to the end of the extension. The depth of the channel is measured from the end of the extension to the base of the channel. Further, the channel position (C) is such that it is less than the length of the extension (H).

The channel in certain embodiments can be curved in shape having outer curved 46 portions and inner straight portions 48. The curved 46 and straight 48 portions may be located at the base of the channel. The channel generally narrows or tapers towards the top 31 in the location between edges 50 and 52. This helps ensure that the rope/string that makes up the net is pinched in the top outer side 51 of the channel.

As can be seen, the rim 8 is a unitarily formed blow molded article such that the clips and holes are molded into the rim during the blow molding process. It is further understood that a polymeric material can be used to make the rim. It is understood that although a basketball rim is shown, other types of goals or net carrying/securing elements can utilize the securing system described herein. When the net is installed, tension thereon at the clip causes force along the net/flexible elongate member to be directed to pull both towards the hole and upwards towards the base, the upwards pulling being generally opposite the direction of the tension on the net.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a particular arrangement of parts, features and the like, these are not intended to exhaust all possible arrangements or features, and indeed many other modifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill in the art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for securing a net comprising: a first member having a plurality of holes therein, each hole having a first and second side spaced apart at a first distance, wherein the first member is a blow molded polymeric part; a clip molded in the first member adjacent to each of the plurality of holes, each clip spaced from its corresponding one of the plurality of holes in a first direction; said clip including an extension which extends towards and end of the extension a second distance in a second direction; a channel formed between said extension and said hole, the channel having a depth at least 10% of the first distance measured from the end of the extension to a base of the extension, the base positioned between said extension and said hole; wherein the clip is configured to secure a flexible elongate material to said first member when said flexible elongate material is inserted into one of the plurality of holes as a loop such that the loop fits over the extension and into said channel.
 2. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a backboard element, a bottom element and an elongate member which when assembled together with the first member form a basketball goal and the flexible elongate member is part of a basketball net.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the end aligns with the first side of the hole such that the first and second distances are approximately equal.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the depth is at least 55% of the second distance, the second distance measured along a side of the extension opposite the base.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein an area of the first side is smaller than an area of the second side.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of holes are tapered outwardly from the first side towards the second side.
 7. The system of claim 1 wherein the channel tapers outwardly from the base.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein a spacing between the extension and the first member is greater at the end of the extension than at the base such that the loop extends outwardly with respect to the base towards the hole past a narrowing opening.
 9. A kit for holding a net comprising: a net made of a flexible elongate material and having a plurality of loops; a first member defining a perimeter and having a plurality of holes therein, each hole configured to receive one of said plurality of loops and each hole having a first and second side spaced apart at a first distance, wherein the first member is a blow molded polymeric part; a plurality of clips, each one of said plurality of clips located adjacent to one of the plurality of holes and molded in the first member; each clip including an extension which extends a second distance in a second direction, the second distance at least 25% of the first distance; a channel having a depth at least 10% of the first distance and formed between each of said plurality of extensions and each of said plurality of holes; each of the plurality of loops configured to insert through one of said plurality of holes from the first side and out the second side and to extend around a corresponding one of the plurality of clips such that at least part of the loop is positioned in the channel.
 10. The kit of claim 9 wherein the second direction is substantially parallel to and opposite an axial direction of the corresponding one of the plurality of holes, the axial direction being directed from the first side towards the second side.
 11. The kit of claim 9 wherein the second direction is transverse to an axial direction of the corresponding one of the plurality of holes, the axial direction being directed from the first side towards the second side.
 12. The kit of claim 10 wherein the second direction forms an acute angle less than 20 degrees relative to the axial direction.
 13. The system of claim 10 further comprising: a backboard element, a bottom element and an elongate member which when assembled together with the first member form a basketball goal and the flexible elongate member is part of a basketball net.
 14. The system of claim 10 wherein the end aligns with the first side of the hole such that the first and second distances are approximately equal.
 15. The system of claim 10 wherein the depth is at least 55% of the second distance, the second distance measured from the end to the second side.
 16. The system of claim 10 wherein an area of the first side is smaller than an area of the second side.
 17. The system of claim 10 wherein the plurality of holes are tapered outwardly from the first side towards the second side.
 18. The system of claim 10 wherein the channel tapers outwardly from the base.
 19. The system of claim 10 wherein a spacing between the extension and the first member is greater at the end of the extension than at the base such that the loop extends outwardly with respect to the base, around the clip and into a narrowing opening.
 20. The system of claim 10 wherein the second distance is greater than a thickness of the flexible elongate material.
 21. The system of claim 20 wherein the second distance is at least twice the thickness of the flexible elongate material.
 22. A method of assembling a goal comprising: providing a first element defining a perimeter and a plurality of holes located along the perimeter, the first element being a blow molded polymeric part; providing a net formed from a flexible member, the net including a plurality of loops; inserting one or more of the plurality of loops into the plurality of holes from a first side of the holes such that the plurality of loops extend out a second side of the holes; extending the loop out its corresponding one of the plurality of holes and hooking the loop over an extension which extends adjacent to the one of the plurality of holes, the extension having an end and a base and two side openings wherein the side openings narrow from the end towards the base and the base is positioned between the extension and the corresponding one of the plurality of holes.
 23. The method of claim 22 further comprising: pulling the net from the first side such that the loop is held in a channel defined at least in part by the base.
 24. A system for securing a net comprising: a first member having a plurality of holes, each of the plurality of holes having a clip adjacent thereto; a channel defined between an inner surface of the clip and a surface of the first member which faces the inner surface of the clip, the channel having a base; wherein the plurality of holes has first and second sides spaced apart and the base is located at a height measured from the first side less than a distance between the first and second sides such that when a flexible elongate member is formed into a loop and inserted from the first side and out the second side, the flexible elongate member is secured to the first member by inserting the loop over the clip and into contact with the base. 